Modi-Sharif meet no breakthrough: Congress

New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) The Congress on Friday dubbed as “laughable” the BJP stand that a “breakthrough” was achieved as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Russia.

“The BJP claims a breakthrough. This breakthrough in the backdrop of what? Using the words ‘breakthrough’ and ‘historic understanding’ is laughable,” Congress leader Anand Sharma told the media here.

“India is expected to make a statement which has depth and maturity,” he added.

Sharma said the Indian government had in fact departed from its earlier position on terrorism mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi.

“On the agreement to expedite the trial in the 26/11 Mumbai attack case and exchange of voice samples of the accused, we have very strong objections. Especially, on provision of additional inputs like voice samples. This fundamentally contradicts India’s position. After investigation, all voice samples were given to Pakistan,” Sharma said.

BJP spokesman M.J. Akbar had a different view. “The meeting is a breakthrough… For the first time Pakistan has accepted our definition of terrorism,” he said.

Earlier, the Congress questioned the circumstances under which Modi’s meeting with Sharif was called.

“Pakistan killed an Indian soldier during ceasefire (on the LoC)… and Prime Minister Modi is meeting Sharif… This is the government that made tall claims that they will teach Pakistan a lesson,” Congress leader Meem Afzaal told reporters.

“Today (Friday), the PM is meeting Nawaz Sharif without any reason… We would like to know what were the circumstances that Modi had to invite Sharif for the meeting,” he said.

Modi and Nawaz Sharif met for around an hour on the sidelines of the BRICS summit at Ufa in Russia on Friday.